The new Maggie Cat has officially joined SeaLink North Queensland, who is part of the Kelsian Group – Australia’s largest transport and tourism company fleet – and will operate as the flagship vessel to Magnetic Island.
The $6.5 million Maggie Cat launched in June this year and is now the largest vessel in the Townsville fleet.
SeaLink North Queensland General Manager, Darren Spearman, says the new addition follows the Kelsian Group’s announcement of a $23 million investment into the construction of five new vessels, made right here in Queensland.
“Maggie Cat is the largest in the Townsville fleet, able to carry 340 passengers to and from Magnetic Island, with three levels including a sun deck,” explains Darren.
“She is the highest fuel-efficient ferry in Townsville’s water, especially configured for the shorter, more frequent Magnetic Island passenger service and custom built with DDA approved disabled access, hearing loop and paramedic stretcher access.”
In the past two years, SeaLink North Queensland has spent $13 million on two new vessels for Townsville – the 340 seat Maggie Cat and 320 seat Coolgaree Cat.
Darren says the investment into building new ferries showcased the company’s ongoing commitment to tourism, transport, and supporting both local industry and the wider community.
“We are proud to build such a quality world-class vessel right here in Queensland, and extend a huge thank you to our local vessel manufacturing partners who without their expertise, passion and commitment these builds would not have been possible,” says Darren.
“It’s all part of our commitment to investing in the local community and supporting organisations such as Magnetic Island Network for Turtles, Magnetic Island Koala Hospital, Arcadian and Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Clubs, Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Townsville Open Water Swimming Association, Great Island Trek alongside various other charities and sporting clubs.”
SeaLink North Queensland runs the North Queensland Adventure Series for Whale Watching and Orpheus Island Yanks Jetty Day trips between the months of July and September, both of which were sold out this season. As the foundation sponsor, SeaLink North Queensland are proud to continue as the naming rights sponsor for the recent 15th SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week held last month. This event generates over $1 million in revenue for the local economy every year.
Maggie Cat arrives in Townsville
Images supplied by SeaLink Queensland
